Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Check out these blog posts to plan your Summer Fun in Columbus!
- Your Essential Guide to Summer in Columbus, Ohio
- Free Fountains and Splash Pads in Columbus, Ohio
- Farmers Markets in Columbus and Central Ohio
- Summer Nights: Movies, Concerts and More for Every Night of the Week
- Outdoor and Drive-In Movie Experiences in Columbus
- 35 Free Things to do with Your Kids in Columbus This Summer
Family-Friendly Events in Columbus, Ohio this Weekend:
1. Franklin County Fair
The Franklin County Fair takes place July 15-21 and includes rides, games, exhibits, vendors, concessions and more! Highlights this weekend include Mr. Eric’s Music, a sheepherding Dogs Demonstration, Ohio School of Falconry, Chainsaw Art and more! Check the link for the daily schedules.
2. A Summer of Service: Be Kind to the Earth with Seeds of Caring
Seeds of Caring makes it easy for kids to make a difference in central Ohio! Through Aug. 31, kids 2-12 can learn about environmental stewardship in this FREE, family-friendly project you can do anywhere: Children will participate in hands-on activities to protect our pollinator friends, recycle food waste through composting, and conserve electricity.
3. Arthritis Foundation Charity Car Show
This annual event benefits the Arthritis Foundation and features family-friendly entertainment, food trucks, live music and tons of great cars for a great cause! Check out acres of cars, trucks, motorcycles and special vehicle displays on Friday and Saturday! Kids 12 and under are free and tickets can be purchased online. Show hours are Friday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
4. The Magic of David Anthony at Hilliard Library
Enjoy a lively magic show with music, juggling and more on Friday at 10:00 AM a the Hilliard Branch of CML.
5. Commons for Kids at Columbus Commons
Each Friday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Columbus Commons, kids of all ages can enjoy activities like free carousel rides, lawn games, and activities by community partners. This week’s theme is Sports + Fitness.
6. Storytime at Highbanks Metro Park
Enjoy a storytime on Friday at 1:00 PM at Highbanks Metro Park. Meet in the Oak Coves picnic area. This storytime will feature crafts and other activities while learning about nature and is for great for kids ages 2-5.
7. From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
On Friday or Saturday at 1:30 PM, get free admission to see Puss and Boots: The Last Wish (PG) at Gateway Film Center with your library card as part of the Book to Film series!
8. Music in the Park in Canal Winchester
Music in the Park takes place in Stradley Park in downtown Canal Winchester. This Friday there will be a Cruise-In Car Show and other free activities like balloon animals, live performances, face painting and live music by The Gas Pump Jockeys. The event runs from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Friday.
9. Screen on the Green at Goodale Park
On Friday beginning at 7:00 PM enjoy food vendors before watching Barbie on a giant screen at Goodale Park. The movie will start at sunset.
10. Storytime LIVE at Kiddie Academy of Hilliard
Register online for this free story time featuring your favorite stories and characters on Saturday at 10:00 AM.
11. Saturday Morning Storytime at Cover to Cover Bookstore
Attend a free storytime at Cover to Cover featuring interactive activities for ages 4 and under on Saturday at 10:00 AM.
12. Kids Series at Grandview Theater & Drafthouse
This Saturday at 11:00 AM, watch The Great Muppet Caper at Grandview Theatre and Drafthouse. Admission is free for kids!
13. PBJ & Jazz in Topiary Park
On Saturday beginning at 11:00 AM, enjoy a story time at Columbus Metropolitan Library and then a free, family-friendly jazz concert in Topiary Park beginning at 12:00 PM.
14. Farm Animal Event at Main Library
Get up close and touch chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits and more at this event at Main Library on Saturday at 12:00 PM.
15. Turtle Shellebration at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Celebrate turtles with crafts and activities and meet the ambassador turtles at the Blendon Woods Nature Center on Saturday between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
16. Horse Powered Grain Threshing at Slate Run Farm
On Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM watch horses power machinery that separates grain from straw at Slate Run Farm.
17. Author Visit – Rafael Rosado at Reynoldsburg Library
Meet Columbus cartoonist Rafael Rosado at the Reynoldsburg Branch of CML and learn about his comics and learn tips for how to draw comic book characters on Saturday at 2:00 PM.
18. MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration at McFerson Commons Park
The MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration takes place on Saturday from 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM and Sunday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM and is free to attend. There will be interactive fan zones, music, games, autographs, giveaways, MLS watch parties and more!
19. Cave Yoga at Olentangy Caverns
On Saturday at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM, take a yoga class in the cave at Olentangy Caverns. All levels are welcome, ages 12 and up. Get tickets online.
20. National Ice Cream Day at Velvet Ice Cream
On Sunday from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM at Velvet Ice Cream, celebrate with $1.10 single dip cones or bowls, prizes, live music, horse & carriage rides and more!
21. Sunday Funday in Old Worthington
Sunday Fundays include food, entertainment and specials throughout Old Worthington. Hours are 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM and this Sunday’s theme is 80/s/90’s throwback. There will be vendors and activities throughout the area. See the link for the entire list of activities.
22. Family Creeking at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Take a half mile hike to the creek at Blendon Woods Metro Park to search for critters on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Wear shoes that can get wet.
*Please be aware, information is gathered from multiple community sources. Times, dates and locations are subject to change. There may be a fee to participate in a featured activity. Please call ahead or check links to confirm activities. Inclusion of an event on this list is not considered an endorsement. Please use your best judgement when attending public events and consult your doctor if you have questions regarding the safety level of a public event. Read my disclaimer here. Enjoy what you do today!*